The Coin Ceremony is an event which takes place at the keel laying, in the early stages of a ship's construction. In it, the shipbuilders place one or two coins under the keelblock of the new ship to bless the ship and as a symbol of good fortune. The coins are not normally fixed in place and are often retrieved when the ship sails out of the dry-dock, (although they are sometimes welded to the keel).
The Mast Stepping ceremony is a similar event which occurs towards the end of a ship's construction, and involves the placing of coins underneath the mast of a ship. In shipbuilding today, the coins are normally welded beneath the radar mast.
Famous quotes containing the words coin and/or ceremony:
“Washington society has always demanded less and given more than any society in this country—demanded less of applause, deference, etiquette, and has accepted as current coin quick wit, appreciative tact, and a talent for talking.”
—M. E. W. Sherwood (1826–1903)
“Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
—Henry James (1843–1916)